INN Exclusive Interview with Solvani Intendant

The holo-image of a Human male appears, dressed in a conservative suit. He is of early middle age and addresses the camera directly. "Welcome, I'm Jonquil Ambergris. We now present to you an Imperium Network News Special Event, featuring my recent interview with Solvani Imperium Intendant So'Weia, which was recorded earlier today."



The image cuts to Ambergris seated across from the much larger form of the Solvani Intendant.



"Thank you for joining me this evening." says the journalist.



"It is my duty to explain the will of the Imperium." replies the Intendant.



"... uh ... of course. Ahem ... Why don't we begin with the opening of the new fleet yards and military base in Ulaanbataar system. Why the need for a new base in the north, isn't it provocative?"



"It is a natural consequence of the ongoing Amarri tensions," the Intendant responds matter-of-factly. "We must to be able to defend our sovereign territory from continued encroachment. They have continued to threaten us, and I can now confirm that the reports of cloaked spy vessels infiltrating via Chi are accurate."



"Well that's very interesting," Ambergris said, intrigued. "But there many who feel the Amarri threat to the Imperium has been exaggerated."



So'Weia seems perturbed. "The Amarri threat is real as much of it is plain for all to see. There is also much that public cannot see, and none of it speaks in favor of the Amarr. Only the Amarr-ITCo has prevented attacks against the Solvani."



"Is the Interstellar Trading Company justified in their attacks against the Amarr?"



"Indeed they are. The Amarr have given no indication to us regarding their willingness to cooperate in this region. We have suffered their belligerence. The ITCo has been subjected to the same, and worse."



"Solvani forces are said to be in a stand off with the Amarr Empire in Pi. What is the situation with the Amarr?"



"The Imperium has been forced to suspend its relations with the Amarr and we now evaluate our options. We have determined that Chi and the Imperium will never be safe without the Amarr's aggression curtailed."



"Your Intendancy has criticized orbital bombardments of planets with civilian populations. The Imperatii also support a stronger version of the Beta Accords. How do you feel about the planetary attacks of the Interstellar Trading Company against Amarri civilian populations?"



The Intendant's nictitating membranes blink twice rapidly. "... We urge that all parties in conflict exercise discretion when in conflict over inhabited worlds."



"You are said to have little regard for the advisers of your Conclave as Intendant. Is this true?"



"The Conclave is there to suggest and advise, not decide and command. I simply ... take a firmer hand, than many Prefects."



"Do you consider yourself a Prefect? Many say that the Imperatii and First Families never realized the full magnitude of the potential of space travel, and that your post has become far too powerful. Have you discussed these issues with other Prefects or members of the First Families."



"... There are naturally ... debates." He inclines his head. "It is not for me to question the decisions of the Imperatii."



"The Imperatii Wo'Cha-Che is said to be in senescence. What are your relations with the First Families and the Presumptive, from whom the next Imperatii will be chosen."



"Adequate."



"... I see."



A brief uncomfortable silence stretches before the interviewer recovers and continues the interview with more prosaic questions.